Crane/Jib Techniques

[Big ScareCrow]

I've searched the net and the forum trying to find "how to" techniques with a crane. Can anyone suggest where I can go to learn basic crane movement techniques. I've played with mine for a while now and I'm not getting great results. I little guidance in the right direction would be great. Thanks

 

[Macville]

What exactly are you looking for? Are you talking about how to do smooth movements, or what kind of movements should you do? If you are talking about framing/movement I suggest trying to have something closer to the camera that is a foreground object and then focusing on your subject. That way when crane up/down you add some depth to your shot. Depth really is key for most good shots (unless you trying to get a general wide setting shot, but even there they will have tree branches up close in the frame for depth.)

Matthew

 

[Big ScareCrow]

I'm looking for it all. There's got to be more then just tilting up and down. Maybe a combination of panning and tilting? Any information is good. Thanks so far

 

[Erik Olson]

Jib technique really comes down to lots of practice. Are you using a remote head or are you on a fluid head? That makes a difference - first and foremost, where you'll operate from.

I do more remote head work, so I operate from behind the fulcrum. If you have a fluid head, and want any articulation, you'd naturally operate at the head.

There are standard methods, like dollying during a move to maintain a distance and or axis. What was said above about stacking foreground elements is another basic technique that yields big visual results.

The ability to feather your moves and controlling "breathing" during static shots does depend on the quality of your jib. Rigidity in the arm and pedestal, presence and quality of bearings and / or friction surfaces at the fulcrum and the quality of the head all play heavily toward the jib's capacity to achieve smooth, professional results.

Practice, practice practice!

e

 

[Steve Laramie]

jib moves are easier said then done

 

[Big ScareCrow]

thanks for the input.

 

[filmat11]

Eric is correct.... Practice,practice,practice....
If you do have the remote head, practice on a wide shot moving the camera from a high point, moving the camera down to almost the floor level in a diagonal move. Place an object or person in your frame, and attempt to keep them in the exact same place in your frame at all times.
Start off with them stationary--repeat,repeat, repeat. Then have them move and attempt the same thing.
The suggestion for having a foreground element vastly improves the shot on a moving camera. Coming down thru tree branches, across plants and flowers, up into a ceiling with a chandelier or ceiling fan, thru -up -and around interesting architecture , furniture, makes for great transition shots, as well as making your camera move that much more interesting.
Now, practice using the remote focus as you get closer to a subject.
Then start to notice other things about your jibs placement.... Are you creating shadows in the background or worse..across your talent ? Are you going to hit the lights, power lines..( gulp), or other talent,crew ?
Start slow on your arm moves, then as you get more confident, try to speed up your pan, tilt and arm move together. Mastering the jib takes a long time, and there is a big difference between jib owners and jib operators.